Cable storage drum with moveable CCU docking apparatus

ABSTRACT

Video inspection systems with moveable and dockable CCUs are disclosed. In one embodiment a video inspection system includes a tubular frame element, a camera control unit (CCU), and a docking apparatus mechanically coupled to the frame element so as to allow the CCU to rotate and/or be detached are attached via a user action.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S.Utility patent application Ser. No. 14/469,536, entitled CABLE STORAGEDRUM WITH MOVABLE CCU DOCKING APPARATUS, filed Aug. 26, 2014, whichclaims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/870,232 entitled CABLE STORAGE DRUM WITH MOVABLECCU DOCKING APPARATUS, filed Aug. 26, 2013, as well as to U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/926,382, entitled CABLESTORAGE DRUM WITH MOVABLE CCU DOCKING APPARATUS, filed Jan. 12, 2014.The content of each of these applications is hereby incorporated byreference herein in its entirety for all purposes.

FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to cable storage drums used to containpush-cables with inspection cameras and used with video display and/orcamera control units (CCUs). More specifically, but not exclusively,this disclosure relates to cable storage drums configured to allow avideo display and/or camera control unit to moveably and/or removablydock thereto.

BACKGROUND

Cable storage drums used to contain push-cables with inspection camerasmade to interface with a camera control unit (also referred to hereafteras a CCU) for viewing, storing, and/or controlling data and/or videofeeds from the inspection camera are known in the art. Many such cablestorage drums secure a CCU thereto in a fixed position for use inutility inspection operations. For example, European Patent EP1,091,159B1, entitled CAVITY INSPECTION DEVICE WITH VIDEO CAMERA, whichis incorporated by reference herein, describes an inspection devicewherein a monitor for displaying video captured by a video camera isfixed in place with respect to the device frame. These locks or othermechanisms to secure the CCU about a cable storage drum tend to becumbersome for a user to operate during normal use. Furthermore,existing configurations of cable storage drums with attached CCUs tendto remain fixed in position relative to the frame of the cable storagedrum, neglecting a user's need to angle the CCU for ease in viewingduring use.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art to address the above-describedas well as other problems.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates generally to video inspection systemsincluding a frame, camera control unit (CCU) coupled to the frame, cablestorage drum coupled to the frame to store a push-cable, and aninspection camera coupled to the push cable, where the inspection systemallows the CCU to removably dock to the frame so that the CCU andassociated display/monitor remains moveable relative to the frame, suchas to allow a user to pivot the CCU and display up or down during use.The CCU may be rotatable relative to the frame and/or attachable to theframe in two or more positions in either of a vertical and/or ahorizontal orientation of the system.

Embodiments of a drum and frame with docking apparatus in accordancewith aspects of the present disclosure may include a drum element whichmay further contain a push-cable and inspection camera. The drum elementmay secure to a frame element configured to remain stationary, whileallowing the drum to rotate when dispensing the push-cable into a pipeor other conduit. A docking apparatus may further secure to the frame.The docking apparatus may allow a CCU to dock in a manner allowing theCCU to be moveable in relation to the frame element and/or drum elementand/or mountable in two or more orientations, such as oppositelyoriented relative to the frame and/or oriented in a vertical orhorizontal orientation. The docking apparatus may include one or moredocking elements or mechanisms coupled to the frame and/or drum elementto detachably receive the CCU. The docking apparatus may include one ormore elements on or coupled to the CCU to facilitate removableattachment to the frame and/or drum.

For example, in one aspect, the docking apparatus may include a set ofdocking elements or mechanisms to allow the user to readily dock and/orundock the CCU with a drum and frame. Such docking elements may allowthe CCU to snap into place when docking. The docking element may allowfor pre-loading so that the CCU docks with relative ease by beingpartially engaged, with a contact or snap-action completing engagement.The CCU may further be configured to pivot about the docking mechanisms.Pivoting may be done via a pivoting or rotational axis, and attachmentknobs or dials may be rotatable in opposing directions about the releaseaxis to undock the CCU from the frame.

In another aspect, the docking apparatus may automatically reset into adocking ready state upon undocking the CCU, such as through pre-loading.For example, when a user undocks the CCU from a drum and frame, adocking mechanism may reset into a docking ready state such that whenthe CCU is again docked with the frame via the docking apparatus, theCCU readily snaps back into a docked position.

In another aspect, the CCU may remain oriented in a particular angle orposition until a force, generally imparted intentionally by a user, ismade to make the CCU pivot or otherwise move. This may be done using africtional element. A pivot point positioned high upon the dockingapparatus, the use of wave springs, conical spring washers, and/or othertensioning or frictional mechanisms may be used to provide theself-supported ability to angle/position the CCU as desired.

In another aspect, the center of gravity of the CCU may be centered ator proximate to a central movable axis of the cable storage drum suchthat a drum and frame with docking apparatus, which may be positioned inan assortment of different ways during use, may balance so that it willnot readily be tipped over during use.

In another aspect, a drum and frame with docking apparatus may bereadily carried by a user while the CCU is docked. The CCU may remaindocked to the frame via the docking apparatus during transport such thata user need only grasp in one location on the drum and frame withdocking apparatus. The CCU may contain multiple handles providing theuser options in how best to carry the drum and frame with dockingapparatus. The CCU may rotate about a central movable axis duringtransportation.

In another aspect, the disclosure relates to a video inspection system.The system may include, for example, a frame element. The system mayinclude a camera control unit (CCU). The CCU may include electronics anda display element. The system may include a docking apparatus. Thedocking apparatus may be mechanically coupled to the frame elementand/or the CCU so as to allow the CCU to rotate relative to the frame,about a rotational axis, responsive to a user action. The user actionmay be a user-applied force. The user-applied force may be a push orpull force applied to the CCU.

Various additional aspects, features, and functionality are furtherdescribed below in conjunction with the appended Drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present application may be more fully appreciated in connection withthe following detailed description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1A is an isometric view of an embodiment of a drum and frame withdocking apparatus.

FIG. 1B is a different isometric view of the drum and frame with dockingapparatus embodiment of FIG. 1A from a different perspective.

FIG. 2 is an illustration showing a user and the drum and frame withdocking apparatus embodiment of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the drum and frame with docking apparatusembodiment of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 4 is an illustration showing a user and the drum and frame withdocking apparatus embodiment of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the drum and frame with docking apparatusembodiment of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a pivotal docking mechanism embodiment.

FIG. 7A is an exploded view of details of a docking apparatusembodiment.

FIG. 7B is an exploded view of the docking apparatus embodiment of FIG.7A from a different perspective.

FIG. 8A is a side view illustrating details of a docking snap andrelease mechanism embodiment in a docking ready state.

FIG. 8B is a front view illustrating additional details of the dockingsnap and release mechanism embodiment of FIG. 8A in a docking readystate.

FIG. 8C is a side view illustrating details of a docking snap andrelease mechanism embodiment when moved out of the docking ready state.

FIG. 8D is a front view illustrating additional details of the dockingsnap and release mechanism embodiment of FIG. 8C when moved out of thedocking ready state.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of the pivotable docking mechanism and thedocking snap and release mechanism embodiments docked together alonglines 9-9 of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 10 is an isometric view of an alternative drum and frame withdocking apparatus embodiment.

FIG. 11 is an isometric view of a drum element and frame embodiment.

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the embodiment of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is an exploded view of a top hub assembly embodiment.

FIG. 14 is an exploded view of a bottom hub assembly embodiment.

FIG. 15 is an exploded view of a top push-cable mount housingsubassembly embodiment.

FIG. 16A is a partially exploded view of an alternative docking andpivot mechanism embodiment and handle retainer element embodiment.

FIG. 16B is a different partially exploded view of an alternativedocking and pivot mechanism embodiment and handle retainer elementembodiment.

FIG. 16C is the partially exploded view of the embodiment of FIG. 16Btaken from the opposite side.

FIG. 17A is an exploded view of a docking apparatus embodiment.

FIG. 17 B is an exploded view of the docking apparatus embodiment ofFIG. 17A from a different perspective.

FIG. 18 is a sectional view of the pivotal docking mechanism embodimentand the docking snap and release mechanism embodiment docked togetheralong lines 18-18 of FIG. 10.

FIG. 19A is an exploded view of a camera guide and securing mechanismembodiment.

FIG. 19B is an exploded view of a camera guide and securing mechanismembodiment of FIG. 19B from the opposite direction.

FIG. 20 illustrates an embodiment of a cable storage drum with amoveable CCU docking apparatus with the CCU in an upright position.

FIG. 21 illustrates an embodiment of a cable storage drum with amoveable CCU docking apparatus with the CCU in a forward-facingposition.

FIG. 22 illustrates an embodiment of a cable storage drum with amoveable CCU docking apparatus with the CCU mechanically disconnectedfrom the drum and frame assembly.

FIGS. 23A and 23B illustrate details of an embodiment of a latchmechanism and latch indicator with visual latch indication.

FIG. 24 illustrates details of an embodiment of a camera head withcamera guide and securing mechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Overview

The present disclosure relates generally to video inspection systemsincluding a frame, camera control unit (CCU) coupled to the frame, cablestorage drum coupled to the frame to store a push-cable, and aninspection camera coupled to the push cable, where the inspection systemallows the CCU to removably dock to the frame so that the CCU andassociated display/monitor remains moveable relative to the frame, suchas to allow a user to pivot the CCU and display up or down during use.The CCU may be rotatable relative to the frame and/or attachable to theframe in two or more positions in either of a vertical and/or ahorizontal orientation of the system.

Embodiments of a drum and frame with docking apparatus in accordancewith aspects of the present disclosure may include a drum element whichmay further contain a push-cable and inspection camera. The drum elementmay secure to a frame element configured to remain stationary, whileallowing the drum to rotate when dispensing the push-cable into a pipeor other conduit. A docking apparatus may further secure to the frame.The docking apparatus may allow a CCU to dock in a manner allowing theCCU to be moveable in relation to the frame element and/or drum elementand/or mountable in two or more orientations, such as oppositelyoriented relative to the frame and/or oriented in a vertical orhorizontal orientation. The docking apparatus may include one or moredocking elements or mechanisms coupled to the frame and/or drum elementto detachably receive the CCU. The docking apparatus may include one ormore elements on or coupled to the CCU to facilitate removableattachment to the frame and/or drum.

For example, in one aspect, the docking apparatus may include a set ofdocking elements or mechanisms to allow the user to readily dock and/orundock the CCU with a drum and frame. Such docking elements may allowthe CCU to snap into place when docking. The docking element may allowfor pre-loading so that the CCU docs with relative ease by beingpartially engaged, with a contact or snap-action completing engagement.The CCU may further be configured to pivot about the docking mechanisms.Pivoting may be done via a pivoting or rotational axis, and attachmentknobs or dials may be rotatable in opposing directions about the releaseaxis to undock the CCU from the frame.

In another aspect, the docking apparatus may automatically reset into adocking ready state upon undocking the CCU, such as through pre-loading.For example, when a user undocks the CCU from a drum and frame, adocking mechanism may reset into a docking ready state such that whenthe CCU is again docked with the frame via the docking apparatus, theCCU readily snaps back into a docked position.

In another aspect, the CCU may remain oriented in a particular angle orposition until a force, generally imparted intentionally by a user, ismade to make the CCU pivot or otherwise move. This may be done using africtional element. A pivot point positioned high upon the dockingapparatus, the use of wave springs, conical spring washers, and/or othertensioning or frictional mechanisms may be used to provide theself-supported ability to angle/position the CCU as desired.

In another aspect, the center of gravity of the CCU may be centered ator proximate to a central movable axis of the cable storage drum suchthat a drum and frame with docking apparatus, which may be positioned inan assortment of different ways during use, may balance so that it willnot readily be tipped over during use.

In another aspect, a drum and frame with docking apparatus may bereadily carried by a user while the CCU is docked. The CCU may remaindocked to the frame via the docking apparatus during transport such thata user need only grasp in one location on the drum and frame withdocking apparatus. The CCU may contain multiple handles providing theuser options in how best to carry the drum and frame with dockingapparatus. The CCU may rotate about a central movable axis duringtransportation.

In another aspect, the disclosure relates to a video inspection system.The system may include, for example, a frame element. The system mayinclude a camera control unit (CCU). The CCU may include electronics anda display element. The system may include a docking apparatus. Thedocking apparatus may be mechanically coupled to the frame elementand/or the CCU so as to allow the CCU to rotate relative to the frame,about a rotational axis, responsive to a user action. The user actionmay be a user-applied force. The user-applied force may be a push orpull force applied to the CCU.

The docking apparatus may, for example, further detachably affix the CCUto the frame. The docking apparatus may detachably fix the CCU to theframe via a latching element or mechanism. The latching element ormechanism may include a pair of knobs rotational about a release axis.The knobs may move away from the frame upon a user release actuation.

The docking apparatus may, for example, include a frictional element forrestraining rotation of the CCU. The frictional element may retain theCCU in angled or upright self-supporting position.

The system may, for example, further include a cable storage drumcoupled to the frame element. The system may further include apush-cable. The push-cable may be disposed at least partially in aninternal volume of the cable storage drum. The system may furtherinclude a camera head. The camera head may be mechanically coupled to adistal end of the push-cable, and may be electronically coupled to theCCU. The camera head may be a self-leveling camera head. The system mayfurther include a camera guide and securing mechanism.

The docking apparatus may, for example, include a knob or knobsrotatable on a release axis to release the CCU from attachment to theframe element. The rotational axis and the release axis may be commonaxes. The knob or knobs may be further movable outward relative to theframe upon a user release actuation. The user release actuation may be arotation of the knob or knobs about a release axis.

The system may, for example, further include a latch indicator toindicate a state of the docking apparatus. The state may be an open orreleased state or a closed or locked state. The latch indicator mayindicate a state, such as an open or released state, responsive to auser release action of the knob. The user release action may be arotation of the knob or knobs about the release axis. The indicator mayinclude a visual indicator of a docking apparatus open or released ordocking apparatus closed or locked state. The state or states may beindicated by a colored band.

The docking apparatus may be configured to be placed in a docking readystate upon removal of the CCU. The removal of the CCU may be responsiveto a user release action. The user release action may be a rotation of aknob or knobs about a release axis.

The center of mass of the frame and drum assembly may, for example, bepositioned below the rotational axis.

Various additional aspects, features, and functions are described belowin conjunction with FIGS. 1 through 24 of the appended Drawings. Inaddition to the specific embodiments described subsequently herein, invarious alternate embodiments features or elements of the specificembodiments may be combined to implement the same or similarfunctionality. Accordingly, elements of one embodiment may be combinedwith elements of other embodiments to implement additional embodimentswithin the spirit and scope of the present invention.

It is noted that as used herein, the term, “exemplary” means “serving asan example, instance, or illustration.” Any aspect, detail, function,implementation, and/or embodiment described herein as “exemplary” is notnecessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over otheraspects and/or embodiments.

The following exemplary embodiments are provided for the purpose ofillustrating examples of various aspects, details, and functions of thepresent disclosure; however, the described embodiments are not intendedto be in any way limiting. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skillin the art that various aspects may be implemented in other embodimentswithin the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Example Drums with Moveable CCU Docking Apparatuses

Turning to FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2, an embodiment of a video inspectionsystem 100 including a drum assembly and a docking apparatus, inaccordance with aspects of the present disclosure, is illustrated.Inspection system 100 may include a frame, a camera control unit (CCU)with a monitor or display, such as an LCD panel or other displayelement, a push-cable, a drum for storing the push-cable, an inspectioncamera coupled to the push-cable, a docking apparatus including alatching element or assembly for coupling and/or rotating the CCUrelative to the frame that may include a rotational element withfriction retention or other retention mechanisms, and/or other elementsas are illustrated in the associated drawings and described herein.

In operation, the CCU and display may be removably coupled to the frame(and/or coupled drum) via a docking apparatus such that they can bemoved and/or rotated by an operator to adjust viewing angle orpositioning of the display via a user action such as a push or pull onthe CCU, and/or may be readily released and reattached, such as by auser action of twisting one or more knobs to put the docking apparatusinto a released state, which may be indicated by a latch indicator. TheCCU and frame may cooperate with the docking apparatus so that the CCUcan be readily removed from the frame using a latch element or assemblyor other retaining mechanism configured for rotating the CCU, and/or maybe readily attaching or releasing the CCU, such as through a pre-loadingelement or mechanism, to provide a snap-on attachment action.

Various embodiments of CCUs, frames and drums, and docking apparatusallowing a user to rotate the CCU orientation relative to the frameand/or to allow a user to readily attach and/or release the CCU from theframe may be implemented in accordance with the teachings herein, andthe following embodiments are provided as examples. However, otherembodiments within the spirit and scope of the present invention may beimplemented in combinations of the disclosed details and aspects hereinand/or in combinations with similar or equivalent elements that are notexplicitly disclosed.

In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1A, frame element 110 isconfigured to remain stationary upon the ground or other operatingsurface while suspending a drum element 120 above the operating surface,such as through use of feet, legs, bars, or other ground supportelements, in a horizontal orientation. A section 116 of frame 110 may bea tube or bar section horizontally oriented relative to the ground toretain one side of the frame, while another section of the frame mayextend to feet 114 as shown. In some uses, the frame may be positionedto stand on end so as to orient the drum element 120 vertically inrelation to the ground or operating surface in a vertical orientation(in an exemplary embodiment, an attached CCU may independently berotated or oriented to a horizontal or vertical orientation, or to anangular orientation in between, irrespective of the orientation of theframe and drum). Other ground support configurations may also be used inalternate embodiments, such as angled orientations, orientations mountedto other devices or systems, vehicle mounting configurations, and thelike.

In the illustrated configuration, a drum element 120 as coupled to theframe may be held above the ground, in a horizontal orientation (asshown in FIG. 1A) or in a vertical orientation (as shown in FIG. 4). Auser may then deploy a camera 140 and spring 142, coupled to a distalend of push-cable 130 which coils within the drum when stored, into apipe or other conduit to examine the interior of the pipe or conduit.Images or video from the camera 140 may be sent via a conductor elementof the push-cable 130 to a proximal end of the push-cable, and thenstored in a non-transitory memory of the CCU and/or provided to a userby being rendered on a display of a removably attachable CCU or otherelectronic computing device or system.

The CCU may be mechanically coupled to the frame via a docking apparatuswhich may allow the CCU to be rotated or pivoted about a rotational axis(e.g., upon a user action such as pushing or pulling on the CCU), asdescribed subsequently herein, relative to the frame and drum so that auser may select an appropriate viewing angle and/or control access angleto actuate CCU control switches or buttons. In typical embodiments theCCU is readily user-detachable from the frame; however, in someembodiments the CCU may be fixed to the frame so that it may rotate to adesired position upon a user action (e.g., a user pushing or pulling onthe CCU as described subsequently herein) and retained in that position(e.g., by friction or other mechanisms as described subsequently herein)but not readily user detachable. In an exemplary embodiment, a pair ofknobs of the docking apparatus may be rotated by a user about a releaseaxis to disengage a latching mechanism and allow the CCU to bedisconnected from the frame/drum assembly simply by lifting it off. Inan exemplary embodiment the release axis is a common axis with therotational axis; however, in some embodiments, they may be differentaxes.

In operation, the push-cable may, for example, be deployed into pipe 210by a user 220 such as shown in FIG. 2, either by hand or mechanically,with images or videos sent back from the inspection camera head 140 tobe rendered on display 152 of CCU 150, which may have a display elementrotated to a desired angle to allow clear viewing of the images orvideos. The user may apply an action to rotate the CCU to change theorientation of the display 152 (e.g., by pushing or pulling on the CCU),and/or may detach the CCU from the frame, via the docking apparatus, forremote operation, transportation, storage, and the like, as describedsubsequently herein.

The inspection camera 140 may be any of a variety of camera heads forinspection systems as are known or developed in the art. In an exemplaryembodiment, the camera head may be a self-leveling camera head; however,various other camera heads may be used in alternate embodiments. Exampledetails of self-leveling camera head embodiments and associatedinspection system element embodiments that may be combined with thedisclosures herein in various embodiments are described in, for example,co-assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/858,628, entitledSELF-LEVELING CAMERA HEAD, filed Jun. 1, 2004 and U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/358,463, entitled SELF-LEVELING INSPECTIONSYSTEMS AND METHODS, filed Jan. 25, 2012, the contents of which areincorporated by reference herein.

The drum element 120 may include an interior volume to store thepush-cable 130 and inspection camera 140 during transport and/or whennot in use, and to receive the push-cable when the inspection camera iswithdrawn from the pipe being inspected. During transport, the system100 may be readily carried by a user gripping various handles located onthe CCU 150, various locations on the frame 110, and/or a frame handle119. The CCU may rotate partially with respect to the frame duringtransport (in an unlocked state) through the docking apparatus andlatching or attachment mechanism, which may allow such rotation in someembodiments through the docking apparatus. In alternate embodiments, alocking element may be used to temporarily lock the CCU relative to theframe during transportation or storage.

System 100 may include a camera control unit (referred hereafter as CCU)150, which includes electronic circuitry (not shown), a display 152,user inputs and controls 154 for operating the camera head, as well as aprocessing element and memory (internal to CCU 150, not shown) forstoring images and/or other information associated with a videoinspection process. The electronics may further include wired orwireless communication modules, such as Bluetooth, WiFi, cellular,and/or other wireless data communication system modules for sendingand/or receiving data from external devices or systems. In someembodiments, elements of the docking apparatus may be integral with orcoupled to the CCU, whereas in other embodiments the docking apparatusmay be entirely or substantially implemented on elements disposed on orcoupled to the frame and/or drum.

The system may include a docking apparatus including a docking elementwith a latching element or mechanism or assembly and/or a rotationalelement or mechanism or assembly to removably dock the CCU 150 to theframe 110, such as with a docking element 160, as well as to allow theCCU 150 to rotate relative to the frame and drum when attached. Variouslatching and rotational elements may be used in different embodiments.In an exemplary embodiment the latching and rotational elements asdescribed herein may be used, however, these are not intended to belimiting.

In operation in the illustrated embodiment, docking element 160 allowsthe CCU 150 to rotate or pivot relative to the frame 110, such as aboutpivoting or rotational axis 104 as shown in FIG. 1A, to allow a user toadjust the viewing angle during video inspections or other operations.Docking lock and release actions may be implemented via knobs or otherrotational elements about a corresponding release axis as describedsubsequently herein. The rotational and/or release axes may bepositioned above the center of mass of the drum and frame assembly whenthe system is in a selected position, such as when the system is in ahorizontal orientation as shown in FIG. 1A on the ground, so as toimprove stability (e.g. the center of gravity is kept below thedocking/pivoting axis to maintain stability against falling over). TheCCU may be attachable to the frame, such as through docking element 160of the docking apparatus, in one of two opposite orientations, so that auser may attach the CCU with the display facing either side of theframe/drum, depending on a user-desired orientation. The dockingapparatus may be configured to place a locking mechanism into a dockingready state subsequent to CCU release to facilitate snap-action lockingwhen the CCU is subsequently pushed back onto the frame assembly anddocking apparatus.

Examples of various details of embodiments of CCUs and associatedelements that may be used in conjunction with the disclosures herein invarious embodiments are described in, for example, co-assigned U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/346,668, entitled PORTABLE CAMERACONTROLLER PLATFORM FOR USE WITH PIPE INSPECTION SYSTEM, filed Jan. 9,2012, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/774,351, entitled DOCKABLETRIPODAL CAMERA CONTROL UNIT, filed Feb. 22, 2013, U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/941,381, entitled SELF-GROUNDING PORTABLE CAMERACONTROL UNIT FOR USE WITH PIPE INSPECTION SYSTEM, filed Jul. 12, 2013,and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/216,358, entitled SMART CABLESTORAGE DRUM AND NETWORK NODE SYSTEMS & METHODS, filed Mar. 17, 2014.

The docking element 160 of the docking apparatus may removably couplethe CCU to the frame and/or may allow rotation about a rotational axisthrough or adjacent to the frame assembly. For example, in an exemplaryembodiment, the docking element may include a docking snap and releasemechanism 165 (as well as other elements as illustrated and describedherein) to allow a user to undock the CCU 150 from the frame 110 via asimple push action. The CCU may be releasable via one or two rotatableknobs or other elements of the docking apparatus to allow a user toreadily release the CCU from the frame, such as through a user action ofrotation of the knobs (e.g., knob element 740 as shown in FIG. 7) in oneor two rotational directions about a release axis (a user releaseactuation of the knob). The knobs may rotate about a release axisdefined by rotation of the knobs and/or may move outward from the frameresponsive to the release actuation, such as through threading or rampfeatures on the knobs and/or coupled elements. A latch indicator forindicating docking apparatus state (i.e., open or released, or closed),such as described in conjunction with FIGS. 20 and 23A and 23B, may beincluded to indicate the state of the docking apparatus. The CCU 150 maypivot or move about a pivot or rotational axis 104, which may beimplemented via an element or elements of the docking apparatus affixedto the frame and/or to an element or elements of the docking apparatusaffixed to the CCU in alternate embodiments, or in elements affixed toboth the frame and the CCU. The release axis may be a common axis withthe rotational or pivoting axis.

The pivot or rotational axis may be located at various positions abovethe drum 120 in various embodiments. In an exemplary embodiment, thepivot axis 104 may be formed centrally between docking snap and releasemechanisms 165 on either side of the CCU 150, and may be rotatable knobsor other mechanisms to allow rotation, as well as retention via springaction or friction. Locating of the rotational axis above the center ofgravity of the drum/frame assembly may aid in maintaining stability ofthe system during use. The rotatable knobs may include threading orother features to allow the knobs to rotate about a release axis and/orto move in or out relative to the frame. The latch indicator or dockingapparatus state may be provided in conjunction with the knobs, such asby providing a colored indicator when the knobs move away from the frameas described subsequently herein with respect to FIG. 20 and FIG. 23Aand FIG. 23B. The release axis may be a common axis with the pivoting orrotational axes. Other release and/or pivot or rotation mechanisms maybe used in alternate embodiments.

In operation, the CCU 150 may pivot or rotate about axis 104 relative tothe frame 110 to allow a user to adjust viewing angle or protect thedisplay from sunlight, water, or other environmental conditions. Theknobs may be rotated about the release axis to place the dockingapparatus in a released state position so that the CCU may be readilylifted from the frame/drum assembly for detached use, transportation, orstorage. In an exemplary embodiment, the pivot or rotational axis andthe release axis are common axes so that the CCU rotates about an axisthat is common to the rotational axis of the knobs that are rotated torelease the CCU from the frame.

The CCU 150 may connect to a power source such as a battery 170 tosupply operating power. The battery 170 may be a standard rechargeablebattery or, in some embodiments, may be an intelligent or “Lucid”battery such as is described in, for example, co-assigned U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/252,721, entitled MODULAR BATTERY APPARATUS,SYSTEMS, AND METHODS, filed in Jun. 25, 2012, the content of which isincorporated by reference herein.

As illustrated in FIG. 1B, a cord or cable 180 may connect to the CCU150 and drum element 120 for purposes of providing power and/orestablishing a data communication link between the CCU and the camerahead. The data communication link may further be established with otherconnected devices and/or sensors and/or other external devices orsystems, such as a remote computing system or a buried utility locator,cellular phone, tablet, or other device or system. For example, in someembodiments, there may be a counting device configured to determine andmeasure rotations of the drum for purposes of deriving, for instance,the quantity of push-cable dispensed and/or distance an inspectioncamera may have traveled from the drum. Such a counting device may be,for example, a cable counting device as disclosed in co-assigned U.S.patent application Ser. No. 12/766,742, entitled PIPE INSPECTION CABLECOUNTER AND OVERLAY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, filed Apr. 23, 2010, the contentof which is incorporated by reference herein.

In use, the data communication link may be utilized to update countercalibration data and/or other data or information, such as sensedenvironmental data, camera video or images, location/positioninformation (e.g., as determined with a GPS or otherlocation-determination device), and the like. The data communicationlink may be implemented via a wired communication link or, in someembodiments, via a wireless communication link, such as through use of aBluetooth, WiFi, Cellular, or other data communications channel viaassociated communication modules. The CCU 150 may have a cord terminal152 for connecting the cord 180. The cord 180 may further connect to ahub (not illustrated) centrally on the drum element 120. A cord retainerfixture 112 formed on the frame element 110 may be used for storingexcess amounts of the cord 180 and/or the cord 180 when not connected toa CCU such as the CCU 150.

Various aspects and details of embodiments of cable storage drums, CCUs,inspection cameras, and push-cables as may be combined in variousembodiments with the disclosures herein are described in co-assignedU.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/787,711, entitled DUAL SENSEDLOCATING SYSTEMS AND METHODS, filed on Mar. 6, 2013, U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/346,668, entitled PORTABLE CAMERA CONTROLLERPLATFORM FOR USE WITH PIPE INSPECTION SYSTEM, filed on Jan. 9, 2012,U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/774,351, entitled DOCKABLE TRIPODALCAMERA CONTROL UNIT, filed on 22 Feb. 2013, U.S. patent application Ser.No. 12/704,808, entitled PIPE INSPECTION SYSTEM WITH REPLACEABLE CABLESTORAGE DRUM, filed Feb. 12, 2010, U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/371,540, entitled PUSH-CABLES FOR PIPE INSPECTION SYSTEM, filed Feb.13, 2009, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/073,919, entitled PIPEINSPECTION SYSTEM WITH JETTER PUSH-CABLE, filed Mar. 28, 2011, U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/214,208, entitled ASYMMETRIC DRAG FORCEBEARINGS FOR USE WITH PUSH-CABLE STORAGE DRUMS, filed Aug. 21, 2011,U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/704,808, entitled PIPE INSPECTION

SYSTEM WITH REPLACEABLE CABLE STORAGE DRUM, filed Feb. 12, 2010, U.S.Pat. No. 6,545,704, U.S. Pat. No. 5,939,679, U.S. Pat. No. 6,831,679,U.S. Pat. No. 6,958,767, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,862,945. These patents andpatent applications may be collectively referred to herein as the“incorporated applications.” The content of each of these patents andpatent applications is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

Turning to FIGS. 3 and 4, the CCU 150, when docked onto the dockingelement 160 of the docking apparatus, may rotate about a pivoting orrotational axis in relation to the frame element 110 and drum element120 so as to provide swivel or pivoting movements, such as about axis104 or other about other rotational elements, such as axles, pins,bearings, gears, and the like, relative to the frame and drum. Forexample, as illustrated in FIG. 3, a user 310 may impart force onto theCCU 150 causing the CCU 150 to rotate or pivot in a direction 320 or330, such as about rotational axis 104. The CCU orientation may bemaintained by frictional force until a sufficient force is applied toovercome the friction and allow the CCU to move relative to the frame.The frictional force may be fixed in some embodiments or, in alternateembodiments, may be variable or user-adjustable. Knobs as describedsubsequently herein, may rotate about a release axis (i.e., to allowrelease of the CCU by turning the knobs through full or partialrotations in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction to release alatching action retaining the CCU). The release axis and the rotationaxis may be common axes in an exemplary embodiment.

For example, the CCU 150 and docking element 160 may remain oriented ina particular angle or position, such as through the use of a frictionalcontact or other retaining mechanism, until a sufficient force, such asa force imparted along directions 320 or 330 by the user 310 sufficientto overcome the restraining frictional force, makes the CCU pivot orotherwise move or rotate about pivot axis 104 (FIG. 3).

The rotational or pivot point or axis, such as the pivot axis 104 (FIG.3), by which the CCU 150 may be rotated by a user action relative to theframe and drum, may be positioned relatively high upon the dockingelement 160 (located about the docking snap and release mechanisms 165)and CCU 150 such that a user may angle/orient the CCU 150 in aparticular position and have it remain in that particular orientationuntil it is moved to a new position by a user through application of asufficient user action/force to overcome the frictional retaining forceholding the CCU in place.

For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the user 410 may orient the CCU 150 ina vertical position to make the display of the CCU 150 accessible to auser during an inspection operation and in the same relativeorientation. The CCU 150 may remain self-supported in the verticalorientation without the user 410 supporting it upright (e.g. by holdingthe CCU or frame in place by hand), thereby freeing the user 410 toefficiently and continually monitor the pipe inspection. Otherfrictional elements, gears, ratcheting elements, and the like may alsobe used to retain the CCU 150 in the user-selected orientation invarious embodiments until the user performs a further action to move orrelease the CCU from the selected orientation. If the user moves theposition up or down, such as by providing a new force (e.g., a push orpull) to the CCU, the CCU may be readily readjusted for optimal viewingin the user's new position, and may again be retained in the newposition until a subsequent user action is applied.

Tension to allow the CCU 150 the self-supported ability to be angled orpositioned may be provided, at least in part, by establishing a highpivot point, such as at a pivot point established about the docking snapand release mechanisms 165 as shown. Wave springs, conical springwashers, ratcheting elements or gears, pins, and/or other frictional ortensioning mechanisms may further be used to provide the self-supportedability to angle/position the CCU 150 as desired. In an exemplaryembodiment the center of gravity of the CCU 150 may be substantiallycentered about the central axis of the drum element 120 in the variousorientations of inspection system 100 to further balance and prevent theinspection system 100 from readily being tipped over during use, such asthrough being accidentally bumped or pushed.

Turning to FIG. 5, details of an exemplary embodiment of a latch releasemechanism of the docking apparatus allowing a user to quickly remove theCCU from the frame are illustrated. In the illustrated embodiment, auser may interact with docking snap and release mechanism 165 to releasethe CCU from the docked or closed position by rotating knobs (e.g., knobelement 740 as shown in FIG. 7) on opposite sides of the frame in onedirection or, in some embodiments, in either of two directions (i.e.clockwise or counterclockwise) to release the attachment of CCU to theframe so that a user can lift the CCU off the frame for storage,transport, re-attachment in a new orientation, and the like. Oncereleased, the docking snap and release mechanism may be pre-loaded to adocking ready state so as to allow quick reattachment of the CCU (e.g.,by having a user merely push the CCU back onto the docking apparatuselements coupled to the frame to have the CCU fixedly snap into place).

In the illustrated embodiment, upon pulling knobs (e.g., knob element740 as shown in FIG. 7) or handles in outwards directions 510 and 515, arotational force in direction 520 and 525 may be applied by the useralong a release axis to each respective docking snap and releasemechanism 165, thereby allowing the CCU 150 to be unlocked/undocked andbe pulled away from the docking element 160 in an upwards direction 530.During rotation about the release axis, the knobs or handles of element165 may move, via threading or other mechanisms, outward from the frame,and may stay in the rotated position until the CCU is lifted away fromthe frame, after which they may snap back when the CCU is reattached soas to put the docking apparatus in a docking ready state.

The docking snap and release mechanism 165 of the docking apparatus mayreset into a docking ready state upon undocking the CCU 150 such thatwhen the CCU 150 is again docked with the docking element 160, the CCU150 readily snaps back into a docked state (for example, by having theknobs rotate about the release axis to return to their originalnon-rotated position and inward towards the frame). When docked again, aseries of guide features formed on the inward facing sections on thedocking element 160 may guide a pivotal docking mechanism 540 attachedto either side of the CCU 150 into place. Various details of theexemplary embodiment of the docking snap and release mechanism 165 ofthe docking apparatus and the docking and pivot mechanism 540 of thedocking apparatus are described in greater detail subsequently herein.

Turning to FIG. 6, additional details of an embodiment of a dockingapparatus and associated CCU are illustrated. As shown in FIG. 6, eachdocking and pivot mechanism 540 may secure to a CCU saddle mountingelement 610, which may be an element of the docking apparatus affixed tothe CCU or may be integral with the CCU. The CCU saddle mounting element610 may secure to the CCU 150 via high strength bonding tape, adhesives,screws, straps, and/or other mechanisms to fix the CCU saddle mountelement 610 in place. The CCU saddle mount element 610 may be formedwith a series of divots 612 and secure a threaded mounting post 620centrally within a circle formed by the divots 612. An inner plate 630formed with a series of inward facing inner plate nubbins 632 (partiallyobscured) may be seated about the threaded mounting post 620 in assemblysuch that each inner plate nubbin 632 may seat within one of the divots612 on the CCU saddle mount element 610 and hold the inner plate 630stationary thereto against rotational forces.

An inner pivot element 640 may further sit atop the inner plate 630about the threaded mounting post 620. The inner pivot element 640 may beformed with a central cavity 642 into which a disk spring 650 may beseated. A nut 660 may secure to the threaded mounting post 620 after thedisk spring 650 securing the disk spring 650, inner pivot element 640,and inner plate element 630 to the threaded mounting post 620 secure tothe CCU saddle mounting element 610 and CCU 150.

The inner pivot element 640 may rotate about the threaded mounting post620. The disk spring 650, which may be a wave spring or conical springwasher, may provide tension to the inner pivot element 640. A dockingplate 670 may secure to the inner pivot element 640 via bolts 680retained by nuts 690 seated behind the inner pivot element 640. Thedocking plate 670 may be formed to include a reset gap feature 672 whichmay guide components on the docking snap and release mechanism 165 toautomatically reset into a docking ready state upon undocking the CCU150. The reset gap feature 672 may be shaped with a small centralopening below a larger void.

FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B illustrate additional details of a docking apparatusembodiment illustrating elements of the docking apparatus coupled to orintegral with the frame to which the CCU is attached. As shown in FIG. 7and with respect to FIG. 1A and FIG. 6, inward sloping sides around thelarger void may guide a docking reset prong 742 (FIG. 7A) on the dockingsnap and release mechanism 165 towards the small central opening andactuate the resetting into the docking ready state when the CCU 150 isundocked. When in a docked state, a docking cavity 674 formed centrallyon the docking plate may accommodate the end of a spring retainingdocking snap element 760 (FIG. 7A) on the docking snap and releasemechanism 165 (FIG. 1A) and dock the CCU 150 to the docking element 160(FIG. 1). Additional detail regarding various docking componentembodiments as well as the automatic resetting of the device into adocking ready state and other docking functions are describedsubsequently herein.

As shown in FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B, the docking element 160 with attacheddocking snap and release mechanism 165 may further be comprised of a setof docking bracket arms 710 and bottom bracket element 720 that attachto the frame element 110 (FIG. 1) via bolts 730 and nuts 735 or viaother attachment mechanisms. The inward facing side of each dockingbracket arm 710, as illustrated in FIG. 7A, may be formed with a guidefeature 712 for guiding corresponding pivotal docking mechanisms 540(FIG. 5) and attached CCU 150 (FIG. 1) during docking and undocking ofthe CCU 150 (FIG. 1).

As illustrated in FIG. 7B, the outward facing side of each dockingbracket arm 710 may be formed with a release nubbin 714 and hole feature716 about which the various components of the docking snap and releasemechanism 165 may be seated in assembly. A knob element 740 of thedocking snap and release mechanism 165 may seat onto the release nubbin714, while a spring 750 seated into a spring retaining docking snapelement 760 may sit partially protruding from within the cavity formedalong the inward facing side of each docking bracket arm 710 by therelease nubbin 714.

A bolt 770 may feed centrally through the knob element 740, the holefeature 716 formed centrally through the release nubbin 714, the spring750 seated onto the spring retaining docking snap element 760, andsecure via nut 780 which may further seat within the back of the springretaining docking snap element 760 in assembly. When assembled, adocking reset prong 742 formed pointing inwards along the circumferenceon each knob element 740 may fit into and be provided space to move backand forth within a groove 718 formed through each docking bracket arm710. The spring 750 may create tension such that a user may be able topull the knob element 740 outward and rotate about the release axis.When the knob element 740 is pulled outward, the spring retainingdocking snap element 760 may also be made to move outward and seatfurther within the cavity formed along the inward facing side of eachdocking bracket arm 710 by the release nubbin 714.

As illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B, when in a docking ready state, seriesrelease nubbin keying teeth 814 formed on the release nubbin 714 may keybetween a series of knob keying teeth 840 formed onto the knob element740. The docking reset prong 742 may be positioned centrally such thatwhen the CCU 150 (FIG. 1) is docked, the docking reset prong 742 mayalign to the opening on the reset gap feature 672 (FIG. 6).

Turning to FIGS. 8C and 8D, when the knob element 740 is pulled in anoutward direction 810 and rotated in a direction 820, the knob keyingteeth 840 formed onto the knob element 740 may rest upon the releasenubbin keying teeth 814 formed on the release nubbin 714. In such astate, the docking reset prong 742 on the knob element 740 may movewithin the reset gap feature 672 (FIG. 6) such that the docking resetprong 742 no longer aligns with the opening on the reset gap feature 672(FIG. 6). When the CCU 150 (FIG. 1) is undocked, the docking reset prong742 may be forced to slide along the sides of the reset gap feature 672(FIG. 6) until the docking reset prong 742 aligns with the opening onthe reset gap feature 672 (FIG. 6), thus automatically resetting into adocking ready state upon undocking the CCU 150, allowing the CCU toreadily snap onto the frame and be set in a locked docked state.

Turning to FIG. 9, the spring retaining docking snap element 760 maysnap into place within the docking cavity 674 on the pivotable dockingmechanisms 540 to dock the CCU 150 on the drum and frame 100 (FIG. 1).The CCU 150 may remain moveable and pivot via the pivotal dockingmechanisms 540. Such pivoting movement may be governed by tensionprovided through the disk spring 650 such that the CCU 150 may be heldself-supported in various angle/position orientations. When both of theknob elements 740 are pulled in an outward direction, such asillustrated in FIG. 8C, the spring retaining docking snap element 760may dislodge from the docking cavity 674 on the pivotable dockingmechanisms 540, and the CCU 150 may be pulled upwards and becomeundocked from the frame.

Turning to FIG. 10, an embodiment of a video inspection system 1000including a drum assembly and a docking apparatus, in accordance withaspects of the present disclosure, is shown. Various elements asdescribed previously herein may be used in conjunction with thosedescribed subsequently in inspection system embodiment 1000 inadditional embodiments, and the various elements described subsequentlymay be the same as or similar to those described previously inimplementation and/or function.

Inspection system embodiment 1000 may include a frame, a camera controlunit (CCU) with a monitor or display, such as an LCD panel or otherdisplay element, a push-cable, a drum for storing the push-cable, aninspection camera coupled to the push-cable, as well as a dockingapparatus to allow the CCU to removably couple to the frame and/orrotate relative to the frame about a pivoting or rotational axis, and/orother elements as are illustrated in the associated drawings anddescribed herein. In operation, the CCU and display may be removablycoupled to the frame such that they can be moved or rotated by anoperator to adjust viewing angle or positioning of the display. The CCUand frame may be configured so that the CCU can be readily removed fromthe frame using a docking apparatus including a docking elementassembly, latch assembly or other removably attachable retainingmechanism.

In an exemplary embodiment, a frame element 1010 may be configured toremain stationary upon the ground or other operating surface whilesuspending a drum element 1020 above the operating surface, such asthrough use of feet, legs, bars, or other ground support elements. Aportion 1014 of frame 1010 may be a tube or bar section and be used toretain one side of a docking element 1060 of the docking apparatus,while another section of the frame may extend to feet 1016 as shown. Thedocking apparatus may include a wing-like element as shown, to which aCCU may be removable coupled, and the wing may have a pivoting orrotational axis intersecting it, about which the CCU may rotate (and ora knob or handle, which may rotate about a commonly positioned releaseaxis), similarly to the embodiment described previously herein.Additional docking apparatus elements, such as those describedsubsequently, may be integral with or attached to the CCU.

A mounting platform 1018 may be formed between the frame portions 1014and further be used to secure a drum element 1020 thereto. Other groundsupport configurations may also be used in alternate embodiments. Intransport, the system 100 may be readily carried by a user grippingvarious handles located on the CCU 1050, various locations on the frame1010, and/or a frame handle 1019. The frame 1010 may further include acord retainer fixture 1012 (partially obscured) which may be used forstoring excess amounts of the cord that may connect the drum and CCU forpurposes of providing power and/or establishing a data communicationlink between the CCU and the inspection camera further connected to thedrum and/or other system electronics, sensors, or devices. This cord maybe the cord 1110 illustrated in FIG. 11 used to connect the drum element1020 and CCU 1050. Further detail regarding an exemplary drum elementmay be discussed subsequently herein.

In some embodiments, there may be a counting device configured todetermine and measure rotations of the drum for purposes of deriving,for instance, the quantity of push-cable dispensed and/or distance aninspection camera may have traveled from the drum. Such a countingdevice may be, for example, a cable counting device as discussed inco-assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/766,742, entitled PIPEINSPECTION CABLE COUNTER AND OVERLAY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, filed Apr. 23,2010, the content of which is incorporated by reference herein. In use,a wired or wireless data communication link may be used to updatecounter calibration data and/or send and/or receive other data andinformation.

In this configuration, the drum element 1020 coupled to the frame 1010may be held above the ground, in a horizontal orientation (as shown inFIG. 10) or be stood on end in a vertical orientation. A user may thendeploy a camera 1040 and spring 1042 coupled to push-cable 1030, whichcoils within the drum when stored, into a pipe or other conduit toexamine the interior of the pipe or conduit by viewing images or videofrom the camera 1040 on a display such as the display 1052 of the CCU1050. In use, the push-cable may, for example, be deployed into a pipeby a user which may be used to display images/video of the inspectionarea within the pipe as captured by the camera and shown on display 1052of CCU 1050.

The inspection camera 1040 may be any of a variety of camera heads forinspection systems as are known or developed in the art. In an exemplaryembodiment, the camera head may be a self-leveling camera head; however,various other camera heads may be used in alternate embodiments. Exampledetails of self-leveling camera heads and associated inspection systemelements as may be combined with the disclosures herein in variousembodiments are described in, for example, co-assigned U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/858,628, entitled SELF-LEVELING CAMERA HEAD,filed Jun. 1, 2004 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/358,463,entitled SELF-LEVELING INSPECTION SYSTEMS AND METHODS, filed Jan. 25,2012, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

System 1000 may include a camera control unit (referred hereafter asCCU) 1050, which includes a display 1052 and user inputs and controls1054 for operating the camera head, as well as a processing element andmemory (internal to CCU 1050, not shown) for storing images and/or otherinformation associated with a video inspection process. The system 1000may be configured to removably dock the CCU 1050 to the frame 1010, suchas with the docking element 1060 of the docking apparatus. The dockingelement 1060 may be further configured to allow the CCU 1050 to moverelative to the frame 1010, such as via pivoting or rotational axis 1004as shown in FIG. 10, to allow a user to adjust the viewing angle duringvideo inspections or other operations, and or to readily remove orattach a CCU to the frame 1010.

Examples of various details of embodiments of CCUs and associatedelements that may be used in conjunction with the disclosures herein invarious embodiments are described in, for example, co-assigned U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/346,668, entitled PORTABLE CAMERACONTROLLER PLATFORM FOR USE WITH PIPE INSPECTION SYSTEM, filed Jan. 9,2012, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/774,351, entitled DOCKABLETRIPODAL CAMERA CONTROL UNIT, filed Feb. 22, 2013, U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/941,381, entitled SELF-GROUNDING PORTABLE CAMERACONTROL UNIT FOR USE WITH PIPE INSPECTION SYSTEM, filed Jul. 12, 2013,and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/216,358, entitled SMART CABLESTORAGE DRUM AND NETWORK NODE SYSTEMS & METHODS, filed Mar. 17, 2014.

The docking element 1060 may be configured to removably couple a CCU tothe frame. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, the docking elementmay include a docking snap and release mechanism 1065 to allow a user toundock the CCU 1050 from the frame 1010 via a simple action. The CCU1050 may be configured to pivot or move about the pivot axis 1004. Thepivot axis may be in various positions above the drum 1020. In anexemplary embodiment, the pivot axis 1004 may be formed centrallybetween docking snap and release mechanisms 1065 on either side of theCCU 1050, and there may be a screw-in knob or other mechanism to allowrotation about a release axis, as well as retention via spring action orfriction. Other release and/or pivot or rotation mechanisms may be usedin alternate embodiments. In operation, the CCU 1050 may pivot or rotateabout axis 1004 relative to the frame 1010 to allow a user to adjustviewing angle or protect the display from sunlight, water, or otherenvironmental conditions.

The CCU 1050 may connect to a power source such as a battery 1070 tosupply operating power. The battery 1070 may be a standard rechargeablebattery or, in some embodiments, may be an intelligent or “Lucid”battery such as is described in, for example, co-assigned U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/252,721, entitled MODULAR BATTERY APPARATUS,SYSTEMS, AND METHODS, filed in Jun. 25, 2012, the content of which isincorporated by reference herein.

In an exemplary embodiment, a camera guide and securing mechanism 1080may secure to a section of the frame 1010. The camera guide and securingmechanism 1080, as well as one or more optional camera guides 1082 and1084, may have a central passage configured to allow the inspectioncamera 1040, spring 1042, and push-cable 1030 to pass through and keepthese components oriented in an appropriate direction when the system1000 is in use. The camera guide and securing mechanism 1080, unlike thecamera guides 1082 and 1084, may further be configured to lock or securethe inspection camera 1040, spring 1042, and/or push-cable 1030 inplace. For instance, a lever 1950 (FIGS. 19A and 19B) may be forced intoa section of the spring 1042 by a torsion spring 1960 (FIGS. 19A and19B) securing the spring 1042, inspection camera 1040, and push-cable1030 in place. A securing mechanism, such a camera guide and securingmechanism 1080, may prevent unwanted movement of the inspection camera1040, spring 1042, and/or push-cable 1030. Additional details of thecamera guide and securing mechanism 1080 may be discussed in subsequentparagraphs in connection with FIGS. 19A and 19B. Additional details ofan embodiment of a camera guide and securing mechanism 2080 are shown inFIGS. 20-23 and FIG. 24.

Various aspects and details of embodiments of cable storage drums, CCUs,inspection cameras, and push-cables as may be combined in variousembodiments with the disclosures herein are described in co-assignedU.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/787,711, entitled DUAL SENSEDLOCATING SYSTEMS AND METHODS, filed on Mar. 6, 2013, U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/346,668, entitled PORTABLE CAMERA CONTROLLERPLATFORM FOR USE WITH PIPE INSPECTION SYSTEM, filed on Jan. 9, 2012,U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/774,351, entitled DOCKABLE TRIPODALCAMERA CONTROL UNIT, filed on 22 Feb. 2013, U.S. patent application Ser.No. 12/704,808, entitled PIPE INSPECTION SYSTEM WITH REPLACEABLE CABLESTORAGE DRUM, filed Feb. 12, 2010, U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/371,540, entitled PUSH-CABLES FOR PIPE INSPECTION SYSTEM, filed Feb.13, 2009, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/073,919, entitled PIPEINSPECTION SYSTEM WITH JETTER PUSH-CABLE, filed Mar. 28, 2011, U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/214,208, entitled ASYMMETRIC DRAG FORCEBEARINGS FOR USE WITH PUSH-CABLE STORAGE DRUMS, filed Aug. 21, 2011,U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/704,808, entitled PIPE INSPECTIONSYSTEM WITH REPLACEABLE CABLE STORAGE DRUM, filed Feb. 12, 2010, U.S.Pat. No. 6,545,704, U.S. Pat. No. 5,939,679, U.S. Pat. No. 6,831,679,U.S. Pat. No. 6,958,767, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,862,945. These patents andpatent applications may be collectively referred to herein as the“incorporated applications.” The content of each of these patents andpatent applications is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

Turning to FIG. 11, in the exemplary embodiment 1000, the drum element1020 may mount to the mounting platform 1018 on the frame 1010. A cordor cable, such as the cord 1110, may be used to connect a CCU to aninspection camera for purposes of providing power and/or establishing adata communication link between the CCU and the inspection camera. Forexample, the CCU 1050 of FIG. 10 may connect via cord 1110 to the drumelement 1020 and a connected push-cable and inspection camera such asthe push-cable 1030 and inspection camera 1040 of FIG. 10. A wired orwireless data communication link may be established, such as viacorresponding wired or wireless communication modules (not shown),between CCU, internal drum electronics, inspection camera and otheraccessory components/devices, and/or external devices or systems. Powermay be provided to the inspection camera via the battery 1070 (FIG. 10)on the CCU 1050 (FIG. 10), which may be an intelligent battery asdescribed previously herein.

In some embodiments, a drum element may include a quick release assemblyfor detaching the drum from the frame. Such embodiments may be morereadily serviceable and/or configured for accepting otherinterchangeable drum assemblies.

Turning to FIG. 12, the drum element 1020 may be comprised of a top hubassembly 1210, a bottom hub assembly 1220, and a drum casing 1230 thatmay be used to store and dispense push-cable, spring, and inspectioncamera such as the push-cable 1030, spring 1042 and inspection camera1040 of FIG. 10. The top hub assembly 1210 may secure about the top ofthe mounting platform 1018 such that components centrally on the top hubassembly 1210 may fit through an opening centrally formed on themounting platform 1018 of the frame 1010 and connect with components onthe bottom hub assembly 1220 situated on the other side of the mountingplatform 1018. The bottom hub assembly 1220 may secure both to the drumcasing 1230 via screws 1240. The bottom hub assembly 1220 may beconfigured to allow rotations of the drum casing 1230 during dispensingand/or retracting of push-cable while components of the top hub assembly1210 may remain stationary. A bearing mechanism within the bottom hubassembly 1220 may facilitate such rotations and, in some embodiments,govern the drag or required force of such rotations in one or moredirections.

Turning to FIG. 13, the top hub assembly 1210 may further be comprisedof a platform mounting plate 1310 formed with a central opening that maysecure to the top of the mounting platform 1018 via bolts 1312 and nuts1412 (FIG. 14). The bolts 1312 may further secure a bearing retainersubassembly 1410 as illustrated in FIG. 14 to the opposite side of themounting platform 1018 (FIG. 11) from the platform mounting plate 1310.The central opening on the platform mounting plate 1310 and the centralopening on the mounting platform 1018 (FIG. 11) may align when assembledand be configured to accommodate a plug subassembly 1320. The plugsubassembly 1320 may further be comprised of a top plug housing element1330 and bottom plug housing element 1340.

The top plug housing element 1330 and bottom plug housing element 1340may secure together via screws 1350. In assembly, an O-ring 1345 may beseated between the top plug housing element 1330 and bottom plug housingelement 1340. A series of seals 1355, each of which may correspond toone of the screws 1350, may seat within top plug housing element 1330.The o-ring 1345 and seals 1355 may aid in providing protection tointernal components from moisture or other potentially damaging externalelements.

The bottom plug housing element 1340 may be formed with a series ofcentral pin retaining features 1342 configured to house and retain aseries of pins 1360 in assembly. The pins 1360 may be formed such thatthe head 1362 of each pin is of greater diameter than the pin's 1360lower section. The lower section of the central pin retaining features1342 may also be of smaller diameter but dimensioned to allow the lowersection of each pin 1360 to pass through while the head 1362 of each pin1360 may not thus retaining each pin 1360 within the central pinretaining feature 1342. A series of springs 1365 may seat onto the head1362 of each pin 1360 and further connect to traces on a PCB 1370 andmay provide connection between the pins 1360 and the PCB 1370 forpurposes of providing power and/or establishing a data communicationlink. In use, the springs 1365 may also provide force holding the pins1360 firmly to circular traces 1486 (FIG. 14) on a connector element1485 (FIG. 14) found in the bottom hub assembly 1220.

The PCB 1370 may secure atop the bottom plug housing element 1340 viascrews 1375. The top plug housing element 1330 may retain one end of thecord 1110. Wiring within the cord 1110 may secure to the PCB 1370 andmay function to provide a connection from a CCU, such as the CCU 1050 ofFIG. 10, to the plug subassembly 1320 and ultimately provide such aconnection to an inspection camera for purposes of providing powerand/or establishing a wired or wireless data communication link.

A seal element 1380 may seat centrally onto the bottom of the bottomplug housing element 1340 allowing the lower section of the pins 1360 topass through holes therein. The seal element 1380 may attach to thebottom plug housing element 1340 via a seal retainer element 1385 andscrews 1387. The seal element 1380 may aid in providing protection tointernal components from moisture or other potentially damaging externalelements.

One or more magnets, such as the magnets 1390, may be seated within andalong the circumference of the bottom section of the bottom plug housingelement 1340. In use, the magnets 1390 may be positioned such thatcorresponding magnetic sensors, which may be hall-effect sensors,configured within the bottom hub assembly 1220 (FIG. 12) to rotate withthe drum, may further be configured to detect and/or measure rotationsof the drum. Such data may be used to derive, for instance, quantity ofpush-cable dispensed and/or distance an inspection camera may havetraveled from the drum. Such a counting device may be, for example, acable counting device as disclosed in co-assigned U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/766,742, entitled PIPE INSPECTION CABLE COUNTERAND OVERLAY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, filed Apr. 23, 2010, the content of whichis incorporated by reference herein. In use, the data communication linkmay be utilized to update counter calibration data.

When assembled, the plug subassembly 1320 may secure to the platformmounting plate 1310. A series of bottom plug housing element keyingfeatures 1344 on the bottom plug housing element 1340 may key with aseries of corresponding platform mounting plate keying features 1316 onthe platform mounting plate 1310 to hold the plug subassembly 1320firmly to the platform mounting plate 1310. A rotational force in acounter clockwise direction applied to the plug subassembly 1320 mayfree the plug subassembly 1320 from the platform mounting plate 1310 andmay readily provide access to components within. Such a configurationmay be particularly advantageous for performing maintenance to suchcomponents.

Turning to FIG. 14, the bottom hub assembly 1220 may further becomprised of a bearing mount subassembly 1410 and push-cable mountsubassembly 1420. The bearing mount subassembly 1410 may further becomprised of a bearing mount housing element 1430 that may secure to thebottom of the mounting platform 1018 (FIG. 11) via bolts 1312 (FIG. 13)and nuts 1412. A bearing mechanism 1440 may seat within and key to thebearing mount housing element 1430. The bearing mechanism 1440 mayfurther secure to a top push-cable mount housing subassembly 1450 on thepush-cable mount subassembly 1420 via bolts 1442 and nuts 1444 with asealing ring 1446 positioned between the bearing mechanism 1440 and toppush-cable mount housing subassembly 1450.

The bearing mechanism 1440 may be configured to allow rotations of thepush-cable mount subassembly 1420 during dispensing and/or retracting ofa push-cable that may further secure to the top push-cable mount housingsubassembly 1450 as illustrated in FIG. 15. The bearing mechanism 1440may be further configured to govern rotations in one direction. Detailsof embodiments of bearing mechanisms configured to govern rotations inone direction that may be used in conjunction with the disclosuresherein various embodiments are disclosed in, for example, co-assignedU.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/214,208, entitled ASYMMETRIC DRAGFORCE BEARINGS FOR USE WITH PUSH-CABLE STORAGE DRUMS, filed in Aug. 10,2010, the content of which is incorporated by reference herein. A sealring 1448 may seat between the bearing mechanism 1440 and the mountingplatform 1018 (FIG. 11) in assembly.

The push-cable mount subassembly 1420 may further be comprised of abottom push-cable mount housing 1460 that may secure within the bottomsection of the top push-cable mount housing subassembly 1450 via screws1452. A series of seals 1454 may be used with each screw 1452 as well asan o-ring 1470 positioned between the top push-cable mount housingsubassembly 1450 and bottom push-cable mount housing 1460 to aid inproviding protection to internal components from moisture and/or otherpotentially damaging external elements.

A PCB 1480 may secure within the top push-cable mount housingsubassembly 1450 via screws 1482. The PCB 1480 may connect via wiring orother connector for purposes of providing power and/or establishing adata communication link to a push-cable that may further secure to thetop push-cable mount housing subassembly 1450 as illustrated in FIG. 15as well as to circular traces 1486 on a connector element 1485. Theconnector element 1485 may secure centrally to the top of the toppush-cable mount housing subassembly 1450 via screws 1487. An o-ring1488 may seat between the connector element 1485 and top push-cablemount housing subassembly 1450 to provide a seal to internal componentshoused within the push-cable mount subassembly 1420.

In assembly, the drum casing 1230 (FIG. 12) may secure to the bottomcircumference of the top push-cable mount housing subassembly 1450 viascrews 1240 (FIG. 12). A flange element 1490 and flange seal 1495 maysecure between the drum casing 1230 (FIG. 12) and the top push-cablemount housing subassembly 1450. The flange element 1490 and flange seal1495 may be largely ring shaped with a node along a portion of thecircumference to match a node formed along one side of the toppush-cable mount housing subassembly 1450.

Turning to FIG. 15, the top push-cable mount housing subassembly 1450may further be comprised of a push-cable mount housing element 1510 anda node housing element 1520. The node housing element 1520 may secure tothe push-cable mount housing element 1510 via rear screws 1525 and afront screw 1526. A push-cable end portion 1530 may secure to a cableretention element 1512 on the push-cable mount housing element 1510.Screws 1514 may be configured to be tightened and hold the push-cableend portion 1530 in place between the cable retention element 1512 andthe bottom section of the node on the push-cable mount housing element1510. A section 1532 of the push-cable end portion 1530 may be strippedto access wiring within. The wiring may sandwich between a top wiringbracket element 1540 and bottom wiring bracket element 1550. The topwiring bracket element 1540 and bottom wiring bracket element 1550 mayfurther secure onto a mount housing passage feature 1516 on thepush-cable mount housing element 1510 via rear screws 1525. The wiringmay further connect to a wiring connector 1560. The wiring connector1560 may further secure to the push-cable mount housing element 1510 viascrews 1565. In assembly wiring (not illustrated) may connect the wiringconnector 1560 and PCB 1480 (FIG. 14) for purposes of providing powerand/or establishing a data communication link.

Turning to FIGS. 16A, 16B, and 16C an alternative docking apparatusincluding a docking and pivot mechanism embodiment 1600 is illustrated.This docking and pivot mechanism may secure to either side of a CCU,such as the CCU 1050 of FIG. 10, via a front handle retainer element1610 and rear handle retainer element 1615 that secure and entrap withinthe handle on a CCU via screws 1620. The docking and pivot mechanism1600 may, in part, seat within front handle retainer element 1610 andrear handle retainer element 1615 and between the CCU and assembledhandle retainers. A cushion element 1630 may adhere to the top sectionof the assembled front handle retainer element 1610 and rear handleretainer element 1615, providing enhanced comfort to a user during use.

Turning to FIGS. 16B and 16C, the portion of the docking and pivotmechanism 1600 that may seat within the front handle retainer element1610 and rear handle retainer element 1615 in assembly may be comprisedof an inner plate element 1640 formed with a central opening dimensionedto seat an inner wave spring holder element 1650 partially within. A lipfeature 1652 on the inner wave spring holder element 1650 may preventthe inner wave spring holder element 1650 to seat fully within thecentral opening on the inner plate element 1640. A wave spring 1660 maybe positioned between the inner wave spring holder element 1650 and anouter wave spring holder element 1670. A wave spring retention feature1672 (FIG. 16C) may be formed along one side of the outer wave springholder element 1670 that may be of smaller diameter and be made to passcentrally through the wave spring 1660 and a central opening on theinner wave spring holder element 1650.

A lip feature 1674 formed on the outer wave spring holder element 1670may catch on the inner side of an outer plate element 1680 as the outerwave spring holder element 1670 seats within and passes through acircular opening formed through the outer plate element 1680. The outerplate element 1680 may secure to the inner plate element 1640 via bolts1685 and corresponding nuts 1686. The outer wave spring holder element1670 may rotate about an axis while the outer plate element 1680 andinner plate element 1640 may be seated within the handle retainerelement 1610 and 1615 and held stationary thereto. The wave spring 1660may be compressed between the inner wave spring holder element 1650 andouter wave spring holder element 1670 to provide sufficient tension toan attached CCU that the CCU may be positioned or angled by a user andthe CCU may hold to that position or angle.

A docking plate 1690 may secure to the outer wave spring holder element1670 via screws 1695 and be positioned outside the handle retainerelement 1610 and 1615. The docking plate 1690 may be formed with a resetgap feature 1692 which may be configured to guide components on adocking snap and release mechanism 1065 (FIG. 10) to automatically resetinto a docking ready state upon undocking a CCU. The reset gap feature1692 may be shaped with a small central opening below a larger void.Inward sloping sides around this void may guide a docking reset prong1742 (FIG. 17A) on the docking snap and release mechanism 1065 (FIG.17A) towards the small central opening and actuate the resetting intothe docking ready state when a CCU is made to undock.

When in a docked state, a docking cavity 1694 formed centrally on thedocking plate 1690 may accommodate the end of a spring retaining dockingsnap element 1760 (FIG. 17A) on the docking snap and release mechanism1065 (FIG. 17A) and dock a CCU, such as the CCU 1050 (FIG. 10), to adocking element, such as the docking element 1060 (FIG. 10). Additionaldetails regarding the various docking components as well as theautomatic resetting or pre-loading of the device into a docking readystate, and other docking functions, are described subsequently herein.

Turning to FIGS. 17A and 17B, the docking element 1060 with attacheddocking snap and release mechanism 1065 may further be comprised of aset of docking bracket arms 1710 and bottom bracket element 1720 thatattach to the frame element 1010 (FIG. 10) via bolts 1730 and nuts 1735.The inward facing side of each docking bracket arm 1710, as illustratedin FIG. 17A, may be formed with a guide feature 1712 configured to guidecorresponding pivotable docking mechanisms 1600 (FIG. 16A) and attachedCCU 1050 (FIG. 10) during docking and undocking of the CCU 1050 (FIG.10). As illustrated in FIG. 17B, the outward facing side of each dockingbracket arm 1710 may be formed with a release nubbin 1714 and holefeature 1716 about which the various components of the docking snap andrelease mechanism 1065 may be seated in assembly.

A knob element 1740 of the docking snap and release mechanism 1065 mayseat onto the release nubbin 1714 while a spring 1750 seated onto aspring retaining docking snap element 1760 may sit partially protrudingfrom within the cavity formed along the inward facing side of eachdocking bracket arm 1710 by the release nubbin 1714. A bolt 1770 mayfeed centrally through the knob element 1740, the hole feature 1716formed centrally through the release nubbin 1714, the spring 1750 seatedonto the spring retaining docking snap element 1760, and secure via nut1780 which may further seat within the back of the spring retainingdocking snap element 1760 in assembly.

When assembled, a docking reset prong 1742 (FIG. 17A) formed pointinginwards along the circumference on each knob element 1740 may fit intoand be provided room to move back and forth within a groove 1718 formedthrough each docking bracket arm 1710. The spring 1750 may createtension such that a user may pull the knob element 1740 outward androtate. When the knob element 1740 is pulled outward, the springretaining docking snap element 1760 may also move outward and seatfurther within the cavity formed along the inward facing side of eachdocking bracket arm 1710 by the release nubbin 1714.

When in a docking ready state, a series of release nubbin keying teeth1719 (FIG. 17B) formed on the release nubbin 1714 may key between aseries of knob keying teeth 1744 (FIG. 17A) formed onto the knob element1740. The docking reset prong 1742 may be positioned centrally such thatwhen a CCU such as the CCU 1050 of FIG. 10 is docked, the docking resetprong 1742 may align to the opening on the reset gap feature 1692 (FIG.16B).

When the knob element 1740 is pulled in an outward direction and rotatedabout the release axis, the knob keying teeth 1744 (FIG. 17A) formedonto the knob element 1740 may rest upon the release nubbin keying teeth1719 (FIG. 17B) formed on the release nubbin 1714. In such a state, thedocking reset prong 1742 on the knob element 1740 may move within thereset gap feature 1692 (FIG. 16B) such that the docking reset prong 1742no longer aligns with the opening on the reset gap feature 1692 (FIG.16B). When a CCU, such as the CCU 1050 of FIG. 10, becomes undocked, thedocking reset prong 1742 may be forced to slide along the sides of thereset gap feature 1692 (FIG. 16B) until the docking reset prong 1742 ismade to align with the opening on the reset gap feature 1692 (FIG. 16B),thus automatically resetting into a docking ready state upon undockingthe CCU 1050.

Turning to FIG. 18, the spring retaining docking snap element 1760 maysnap into place within the docking cavity 1694 on the pivotable dockingmechanisms 1600 to dock the CCU 1050 on the system 1000 (FIG. 10). TheCCU 1050 may remain moveable and be permitted to rotate or pivot via thepivotal docking mechanisms 1600. Such pivoting may be governed bytension provided through the wave spring 1660 such that the CCU 1050 isheld self-supported in various angle/position orientations. When both ofthe knob elements 1740 are pulled in an outward direction, the springretaining docking snap element 1760 may become dislodged from thedocking cavity 1694 on the pivotable docking mechanisms 1600, and theCCU 1050 may be pulled upwards and become undocked.

Turning to FIGS. 19A and 19B, additional details of an embodiment ofcamera guide and securing mechanism 1080 are shown. Camera guide andsecuring mechanism 1080 may further be comprised of a front housingelement 1920, a back housing element 1930, a frame mounting element1940, a lever 1950, a torsion spring 1960, and a series of screws 1970.In assembly, the base of the torsion spring 1960 may seat within anopening 1952 on the lever 1950 while one arm of the torsion spring 1960may seat along the length of the lever 1950. The opposite arm of thetorsion spring 1960 may seat onto and secure to a section of the fronthousing element 1920 such that the torsion spring 1960 is compressed andtension is applied to the lever 1950. In use, this tension may secure aninspection camera, spring, and/or push-cable which may be the inspectioncamera 1040, spring 1042, and/or push-cable 1030 of FIG. 10. The fronthousing element 1920 and back housing element 1930 may secure togetherwith screws 1970 such that the lever 1950 and torsion spring 1960 aresecured between. The torsion spring 1960 and lever 1950 may further beseated about a front housing post 1922 (FIG. 19B) formed on the fronthousing element 1920 and a back housing post 1932 (FIG. 19A) formed onthe back housing element 1930.

A top lever section 1954 and securing clip feature 1956 on the lever1950 may extend beyond the front housing element 1920 and back housingelement 1930 such that in use a user may apply a force in direction 1980to the top lever section 1954, releasing tension to an inspectioncamera, spring, and/or push-cable which may be the inspection camera1040, spring 1042, and/or push-cable 1030 of FIG. 10. When a force indirection 1980 sufficient to push lever 1950 back all the way towardsthe frame mounting element 1940 is applied to the lever 1950, thesecuring clip feature 1956 may secure to a clip retainer feature 1942(19B) on the frame mounting element 1940 and allow the lever 1950 andcamera guide and securing mechanism 1080 to remain in an open state andallow the inspection camera 1040, spring 1042, and/or push-cable 1030illustrated in FIG. 10 to be moved.

The frame mounting element 1940 may snap onto an inward facing sectionof the assembled front housing element 1920 and back housing element1930 and secure about a section of the frame 1010 (FIG. 10). A fronthousing frame mounting post half 1924 formed on the inward facingsection of the front housing element 1920 and a back housing framemounting post half 1934 formed on the inward facing section of the backhousing element 1930 may secure within a hole (not illustrated) formedon the frame of FIG. 10 and hold the camera guide and securing mechanism1080 against unwanted rotations about the frame (FIG. 10). Additionaldetails of one embodiment of a camera guide and securing mechanism 2080are shown in FIGS. 20-23 and FIG. 24. The camera guide and securingmechanism 2080 may correspond with corresponding elements 1080.

Turning to FIG. 20, an embodiment 2000 of a cable storage drum with amoveable CCU docking apparatus, with the CCU in an upright viewingposition (assuming the frame and drum assembly 2040 is positioned on theground or other surface as shown), is shown. This configuration variesfrom that shown in FIG. 21 which shows the CCU in a horizontal viewingorientation. As shown in FIG. 20, the CCU 2020 may be rotated, such asabout a rotational or pivoting axis defined by the latch 2010, which mayalso include a corresponding latch indicator 2030. Latch indicator 2030may provide information indicating latch state, such as released (open)or closed state, in various ways, such as audibly, mechanically,visually, etc. An exemplary embodiment is further described with respectto FIG. 23A and FIG. 23B.

In an exemplary embodiment, the latch indicator may be a visualindicator that may be colored differently from the frame and/orassociated brackets. For example, in embodiments with dark-coloredframes or brackets, a bright color, such as bright white, yellow, red,etc. may be used to provide a visual indication to a user that the latchis not secured and that the CCU may come off the corresponding bracket(e.g., by being removed by a user or by falling off, in which case thelatch indicator may serve as a warning). In the embodiment shown, latchindicator 2030 includes a colored band, such as a yellow or white band,below the latch knob as shown that only becomes visible when the knob isin an outward or released position relative to the corresponding frameor bracket (e.g., when the knob is moved outward from the frame due torotation of the knob about the release axis). This is furtherillustrated in FIGS. 23A and 23B. In FIG. 23A the latch indicator 2030includes a white or yellow band 2031 inside the knob as shown, that canbe seen when the latch knob is outward from the frame. In FIG. 23B, thelatch 2030 and corresponding knob are in a locked position next to theframe so that the band 2031 is hidden by the knob so that it cannot beseen.

FIG. 21 illustrates details of the embodiment 2000 of FIG. 20 with theCCU 2020 in a down or forward-facing position (assuming the frame anddrum assembly 2040 are on the ground or other surface as shown in ahorizontal orientation). In this orientation, the display of the CCU maybe seen by viewing in a horizontal position, while control buttons areaccessible on the top of the CCU as shown. The CCU may alternately bepositioned in various orientations, such as rotated about an axisdefined by the latch 2010 in a rotation position between that shown inFIG. 20 and FIG. 21. In some embodiments, the CCU may be mounted in theopposite orientation relative to the frame and drum so that the displayelement is facing to the left (rather than to the right as shown).

FIG. 22 illustrates details of the embodiment 2000 of FIG. 20 with theCCU 2020 mechanically disconnected from the frame and drum assembly2040. As shown, the CCU 2020 is still electrically coupled to the cable(stored in the drum) and camera head so that the CCU can be used tooperate the camera head and provide displays, store data, and the like.

The present invention is not intended to be limited to the aspects shownherein, but is to be accorded the full scope consistent with theSpecification and Drawings, wherein reference to an element in thesingular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specificallyso stated, but rather “one or more.” Unless specifically statedotherwise, the term “some” refers to one or more. A phrase referring to“at least one of” a list of items refers to any combination of thoseitems, including single members. As an example, “at least one of: a, b,or c” is intended to cover: a; b; c; a and b; a and c; b and c; and a, band c.

The previous description of the disclosed aspects is provided to enableany person skilled in the art to make or use various embodiments of thepresently claimed invention. Various modifications to these aspects willbe readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the genericprinciples defined herein may be applied to other aspects withoutdeparting from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, thepresently claimed invention is not intended to be limited to the aspectsand details shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scopeconsistent with this appended Claims and their equivalents.

We claim:
 1. A video inspection system, comprising: a tubular frame; acamera head; a push-cable; a camera control unit (CCU) including ahousing, electronics disposed in the housing for controlling operationof the camera head operatively coupled to the electronics, a displaydisposed in the housing for rendering images or video provided from thecamera head, and a non-transitory memory for storing images or videoprovided from the camera head; a donut-shaped cable storage drumenclosing the push-cable when retracted, the cable storage drum coupledto the tubular frame and including a slip-ring for operatively couplingCCU electronic input and output connections to the camera head; and adocking apparatus mechanically coupled between the tubular frame and theCCU to allow the CCU to rotate relative to the tubular frame and thecable storage drum, about a rotational axis, responsive to a useraction, and allow the CCU to be removably attached or detached, via auser-actuated latching mechanism, to the tubular frame.
 2. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the CCU is partially engaged via a snap-actionengagement to the tubular frame.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein thedocking apparatus includes a frictional element for restraining rotationof the CCU.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the latching mechanismincludes one or more knobs rotatable on a release axis to release theCCU from attachment to the tubular frame.
 5. The system of claim 4,further comprising a latch indicator to indicate a release state or alocked state of the CCU responsive to a user action on the knobs.
 6. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the release state and the locked state areindicated by different color bands.
 7. The system of claim 1, whereinthe push-cable is disposed at least partially within an interior volumeof the cable storage drum and the push-cable is operatively coupled tothe CCU via the slip-ring.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein a center ofgravity of the CCU is centered at or proximate to a central movable axisof the cable storage drum.
 9. The system of claim 1, further comprisingone or more handles disposed on at least one of the CCU, the docketingapparatus, or the tubular frame, the handles being designed to begrasped by a user's hand for transportation of the system.
 10. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the CCU is rotatable about a central movableaxis of the cable storage drum during transportation of the system. 11.The system of claim 1, wherein the camera head is mechanically coupledto a distal end of the push-cable and the camera head is electronicallycoupled to the CCU.
 12. The system of claim 1, wherein the camera headis a self-leveling camera head.
 13. The system of claim 1, furthercomprising a modular battery apparatus electrically coupled to the CCUto provide operational power for the electronics and the camera head.14. The system of claim 1, further comprising a counting deviceconfigured to determine and measure rotations of the cable storage drumto determine quantity of the push-cable dispensed from the cable storagedrum and/or distance travelled by the camera head from the cable storagedrum.
 15. The system of claim 1, further comprising a wirelesscommunication module disposed in the housing of the CCU to send image orvideo data from the CCU to a remote communicatively coupled electronicdevice.
 16. A camera control unit (CCU) system, comprising: a tubularframe; a camera control unit (CCU) including a housing, electronicsdisposed in the housing for controlling operation of a camera headoperatively coupled to the electronics, a display disposed in thehousing for rendering images or video provided from the camera head, anda non-transitory memory for storing images or video provided from thecamera head; a cable storage drum having an interior volume enclosing,at least partially, the push-cable, the cable storage drum is coupled tothe tubular frame arranged to remain stationary while allowing the cablestorage drum to rotate when dispensing the push-cable therefrom; and adocking apparatus mechanically coupled between the tubular frame and theCCU to allow the CCU to rotate relative to the tubular frame and thecable storage drum, about a rotational axis, responsive to a useraction, and allow the CCU to be removably attached or detached, via asnap and release mechanism, to the tubular frame, wherein the docketingapparatus includes a friction element to retain the CCU in an angled orupright self-supporting position.
 17. The system of claim 16, whereinthe cable storage drum includes a slip-ring for operatively coupling CCUelectronic input and output connections to the camera head.
 18. Thesystem of claim 16, wherein a center of mass of the tubular frame andthe cable storage drum are below the rotational axis.
 19. The system ofclaim 16, wherein the camera head is mechanically coupled to a distalend of the push-cable and the camera head is electronically coupled tothe CCU.
 20. The system of claim 1, wherein the snap and releasemechanism includes one or more knobs rotatable on a release axis torelease the CCU from attachment to the tubular frame.